Abstract
Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a wild bush plant widely distributed in the south of Argentina and Chile. Their blue colored fruits present particular flavor and health benefits attributed to high polyphenol contents biosynthesized by the plant under stress. Studies about correlation of abiotic conditions with anthocyanin profiles and physicochemical features of calafate beneath wild origin environment are not described yet. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the physicochemical changes, antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content of calafate fruit in relationship to UV solar radiation (W.m−2) and air temperature (°C) environment condition during three consecutive years (2017, 2018, 2019). Variations in fruit anthocyanins were determined by comparison between high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI)/MSn and CIEL*a*b* colors parameters. Correlations were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). Radiation was negatively correlated with fruit size and weight. Physicochemical aspects such as pH, soluble solids, color, total anthocyanins, flavanols and other phenolic compounds were positively correlated with temperature changes. The quantities of monomeric anthocyanins were dependent on both low temperature and global radiation (reaching 20.01 mg g−1 FW in calafate fruit). These results constitute a valuable resource to understand the structural and physiological plasticity of calafate in facing climate changes for future domestication research as well as for agri-food industrial application.
Highlights
Anthocyanins are natural compounds derived from secondary metabolism in plants and they are the second most common bioactive compound present in berry fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries [1]
In the results ahead we intend to provide information regarding the relationship of compounds present in calafate berries and the changes they may suffer due to the effect of climate change
Environmental constraints due to climate change can positively affect the production of bioactive compounds, in some cases leading to detriment in quality parameters such as fruit weight
Summary
Anthocyanins are natural compounds derived from secondary metabolism in plants and they are the second most common bioactive compound present in berry fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries [1]. Calafate fruit contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and a particular flavor (acid and sort of astringency) [2]. The nutritional composition of calafate is described as 4.8 g 100 g−1 fatty acids, 8.37 g 100 g−1 fiber, 13 g 100 g−1 proteins and 70 g 100 g−1 of humidity [5], like high delphinidin, delphinidin-derivatives contents and some other anthocyanins [6]. Regarding these compounds, calafate is considered a “superfruit” [2] and has an agro-industrial potential, especially in functional food matter
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